aklacor727

@Jonac lol yes I feel blessed to even know of such a thing ? @Leo Gura thank you, absolutely. No sense in rushing this stuff. I've been really into the basics for prly about 5 years now, and the deeper stuff about a year and a half when I discovered your content. Before that read a couple Osho books but they didn't resonate much at that point lol. Still alot more to incorporate with the basic things though, just being more mindful on a daily basis is a huge one I always try to stay aware of. I'm sure when I'm ready to dive further it will feel right at that time. Thank you and happy holidays ?

I'm interested in the concept of enlightenment, the nature of reality, etc which is why I follow all of the content here. It's a conceptual understanding, have not had any major direct experiences. Recently purchased the Book of Not Knowing to fine tune my understanding and possibly take myself to the next level as far as direct experiences. However, I'm a little scared because of all that I hear about how this path can trigger depression. (Dealt with depression pretty badly only 2 years ago, and have been in a happy place since then.) Should I be afraid, or go deeper into this work? I see it as unlikely I will actually become enlightened. So should I avoid the direct experiences to stay on a happier path? Maybe just see how I feel about it after a while longer? What would be your advice here...

@Raptorsin7 I think this is probably best too. I think when I'm ready I'll know Just the fact that I posted this actually tells me I'm not ready lol. I'll just see how I feel about it after a while ?

Thank you all for your input. @Leo Gura maybe you're right. Its just tough because on my free time I like to learn and my interest is of the type of deep content you talk about, it just feels odd putting it off on the back burner as just an idea. I do want to be smart about whether I go further though, because I don't want to get trapped in a sort of limbo depressing half awakening or something of that sort @WelcometoReality not sure if they're completely resolved but I do feel like I've become very conscious of alot of the dynamics that lead to it, leading me to change those dynamics and be in the happier place that I am. If they aren't resolved though, I would actually love nothing more than to resolve and deal with them. Which now that I'm thinking through this, will possibly lead to depression or at the least extreme uncomfortableness. So I guess I am more open to the idea of somewhat suffering through things than I thought, if it ultimately leads me to be a more free happier being.

Thinking about goals....and how to approach them in a way that is the most spiritually beneficial as well as practically. To give context, my ultimate goal is happiness and peace no matter how that comes, but I also am wondering about practical advice for personal fulfilment. I appreciate your perspective on any or all of these aspects! When it comes to emerging spirituality and personal development...question to someone that is enlightened if you are reading this -- I wonder how big of a factor goals play into your life? Are they not of concern to you, because you are in such content with the present moment living life as it comes? For everyone else, what are your perspective on goals, and if you are in fact a goal oriented type, how do you set and structure them? Do you focus moreso on the larger goals and visions, or the smaller steps and achievements along the way? Do those smaller steps come with ease and enjoyment as a result of the strength of your overall vision? How often do you check in with yourself and hold yourself accountable.. or are you more laid back about the results, and your life/the process unfolding and changing as it may?

@Nahm This is so inspiring!!! I am happiest when I am in the present, with non-resistance, and I am happiest when I am not thinking about planning a future outcome (or at least focusing on it) and just letting life come as it may. Now that I think about it, you're right if something was truly a desire for me, it would unfold naturally. And in fact, when I put too much pressure on myself to achieve something, it usually ends up not working out. When it comes to living healthily for example, my success in that area came when I made slow changes over the course of years, barely putting effort into it, but it ended up working far better than past attempts of being very strict with myself. The "goals" that I have for myself are going to be present based. When I feel myself resisting something, I am going to remember that is not in alignment with my desires and happiness, and allow myself to let go and accept. When I find my mind trailing off into fantasies and future scenarios and worries, I am going to ground myself in the present moment. ??

@JohnnyRocket oh yay! Didn't even notice that thanks ?

When Leo doesn't post his sunday videos I just turn on some past ones -- today rewatched body awareness, and counter intuitive nature of life. That one is one of my absolute favorites and I feel would open so many people's eyes on so many different areas listening to it. Speaking of his videos being a little less often lately, it's kinda counter intuitive that it could actually be helpful to our self actualization! A little more time in between new material could help us contemplate and practice our current awareness further, while also going over old things and videos to reinforce those concepts and wisdom he has already shared ? I tend to sometimes be very all over the place, so its helpful in hindsight to pull back some and just go over past things that I have learned So I am happy either way -- when my notification pops up theres a new one I'm excited, but if not theres already so many amazing ones! What are some of your favorite go to videos (or other channels even) for when you are in the mood for learning about all of this stuff?

@LfcCharlie4 that makes alot of sense! One thing I am definitely not the best at is planning and tracking. My laid back nature is not helpful in this aspect ? lol.

@Serotoninluv ultimately my desire would be unconditional peace and happiness. Relatively, my life is nothing crazy, overall pretty peaceful and happy. But I get bored, and it gives me purpose to try to improve my life in relative ways, grow myself, think about self actualization, goals, etc. I guess what I am trying to do is find a vision for balance between the two? If that makes any sense

@V-8 I haven't watched that one in a while! That'll have to be next on my list

The book "loving what is" by byron Katie is focused around changing core beliefs, and even helps to become aware of subconscious beliefs. Highly recommend reading that and doing her worksheets!

Hello all! Over the past couple months, Ive really been working on emotional awareness and taking time to just sit and feel what is going on in my body, or if I'm feeling triggered to take that opportunity to feel into those sensations.. Theres only been a few times so far I've really been able to sit with intense emotion, but just from that I have felt enormous release of anxiety in my every day life (though alot is still there), so I'm going to keep going with this practice and wanted to share with you all how helpful it has been. Also I wanted to see if anyone else has experience with doing this, because I want to make sure I am getting the most out of it that I can. For example, yesterday I had a conversation with someone that was going through alot of things that brought up painful memories of my childhood. Later on in the day, I was thinking of it and started focusing on the sensations it was bringing to me, which was a burning stabbing feeling in my chest. As I sat with it, the feeling got more and more intense and brought back memories of heartbreak, that had to do with my moms passing and a heartbreak of my first love. I proceeded to just try to console myself and try recontextualize the situation with my more present understanding and compassion for what happened. Felt the feeling a little longer, but it was probably only 15 minutes in total and the pain did not dissipate on its own during the meditation. If this is something you have done or currently do, do you have any tips on how I can better embrace this practice/get the most emotional release? For example, should I ideally be sitting with the emotion until it dissipates on its own, or I wonder if it will just continue to get stronger... Or anything other practices you have found are very helpful? Thanks!! ?

@Jahmaine I think as far as insights come, it has alot to do with the person's mindset and where they are at in their lives and spiritual journey. Then they see or hear something that is exactly what they need at that point in time to just make things click. I think most important aspect for presentation style would just be speaking from a place of truth and wisdom, while doing your best to be aware of the point they are at in their lives, so you can communicate in a way that they will be more receiving and open minded

Setting into motion the law of attraction, and aligning my energy with what I truly desire, based on the current values I hold in my life, and what happiness means to me. I invite you to add to this, if you desire something that you feel with bring you joy and fulfilment! (mine are pretty general) DESIRE: Meaningful connections, friendships, and life partner FEELINGS: Love & respect, honesty, passion, laughter, support, generosity, guidance, companionship, appreciation, understanding, intimacy, belonging, joy. WHY: Because of the meaning, fulfilment, and sense of belonging these relationships can bring to my life __________________________________________ DESIRE: Complete confidence in my ability to communicate my desires, preferences, boundaries, feelings, fears, thoughts, in a way that is truthful, loving, and wise. FEELINGS: Inner peace, freedom, authenticity, understanding, love WHY: The accumulation of meaningful authentic relationships, the ability for others to see me for who I am, whether they approve and resonate with me or not. More clarity on deciphering the people I wish to surround myself with. An opening for others to feel more comfortable with expression & authenticity as well. __________________________________________ DESIRE: Success and mastery in my abilities in my career FEELINGS: Confidence, purpose, passion, fulfilment, drive, satisfaction, direction, freedom, creativity, stability. WHY: Financial independence allowing focus on self actualization, fulfilment in knowing I put my all into my skills and career. __________________________________________ DESIRE: Travel FEELINGS: Freedom, inspiration, excitement, beauty, love, compassion WHY: New experiences, enjoying more of what life has to offer. Deeper compassion and understanding for the different cultures and people around the world ____________________________________________ DESIRE: Intention, self discipline, focus, & vision in my daily life, keeping me on track towards my goals and desires. FEELINGS: empowerment, self confidence, achievement, direction, purpose, satisfaction, growth WHY: I will have peace in knowing I put my full effort in achieving what I'd like for myself. ____________________________________________ DESIRE: Living in alignment with health, on an emotional, psychological, spiritual, and physical level. Attaining balance in these areas. FEELINGS: Joy, freedom, energy, peace of mind, empowerment, confidence WHY: I believe this is one of the most important aspects, of living a happy fulfilling life. Alignment will help move me forward in all areas of personal growth.

Apparently my chakras are all wide open! He did the reiki session anyway. I was kinda surprised considering the amount of trauma and things I've had to work through in my life. So that means that none of these traumas are blocking my energy? I still feel limits in myself, don't feel completely free, and the main source of that is still social anxiety I am working through (though it actually has improved recently). I would have really guessed that my throat chakra was blocked considering the blockages I feel in social situations. I'm very new to Reiki and my research on chakras. I guess I am wondering if my chakras are open, nothing is really holding me back but my mentality? But doesn't mentality have to do with chakra blockages as well, as mental is associated with emotional?

@Jkhv1 thank you so much for explaining that! This stuff is starting to make much more sense to me. Thank you @inFlow ! It didn't go too horribly! Tad more confident now for the next time. I am judging how "good" it went, based off of the amount of anxiety and panic I felt, as it was coming to my turn, which was there but was much more tolerable than it has been in the past. The actual presentation I rushed through and giggled awkwardly about at the end lol.

@berry I am excited for this!!! Thanks @Jkhv1 Do you think he meant that my chakras are activated when he said they were all open? Is "activated" chakras even a thing? Lol. If so I could see that being the case since I'm big into all this personal development n spirituality stuff. When you say healing, can you explain what that means exactly in the eyes of someone doing Reiki? @inFlow Love it...thats my goal, getting there slowly but surely...speaking of the throat chakra, I actually am excited and nervous about a networking meetup I have tomorrow morning, where I will have to stand up and speak in front of a small group for 60 seconds about myself and my business... been putting it off for a year but tomorrow I am actually going to do it ? will be very proud of myself if I get through it without completely internally freaking out haha.

I am working on opening my sacral chakra, shadow work surrounding that, and trying to get in touch with the emotional blockages, etc... I've had a decent amount of trauma surrounding being taken advantage of sexually, and I know theres things I'm not conscious of that is holding me back from fully being able to be whole and free in my sexuality. I'm starting with trying to uncover some limited beliefs, but it's difficult. I have uncovered one, where I discovered a belief of mine that if I allow someone to do kind things for me (especially when it involves money) they will hold it over me and take advantage of me. This stems back to a friend of my parents when I was younger who tried to offer me money in exchange to let him touch me inappropriately, after I accepted money from him previously for him rewarding me for "doing good in school and getting good grades". ? But yea, uncovering this belief, where it stemmed from, and looking back at how I have unconsciously avoided people in relationships being generous toward me, I realized how it has paradoxically lead to me being taken advantage of in another way (as I continuously attracted people that were far more content with receiving rather than giving). Other than the money and generosity thing, I have some sort of limiting belief down there in me that I cant quite put my finger on, having to do with thinking I shouldn't emit sexuality. If I do, I'm gonna attract people that just want me for that, n will toss me to the side when they're done. I know a healthy balance of this thinking could be beneficial, as this is realistic at times. . But for me, I think it's at an unhealthy belief level. Basically, I just can't quite let go and be free to be the fully sexual being that I know is deep down in there. As sexual abuse is somewhat common....is there anyone in here that has had similar experiences, and gone into the work of uncovering these sorts of things things, and can share some perspective?

@studentofthegame that's a good way to think about it

I have spent the past few years consistently reading and watching self help and spiritual books and videos and feel as though I have a pretty solid big picture understanding on the areas I can further grow myself. However, there is so many different areas with potential for growth lol. I know it is recommended to only focus on a couple at a time. I have been dabbling recently in shadow work, and realized I have somewhat suppressed my emotions so I'm going to start with emotional awareness meditation, and working to integrate and resolve past traumas associated with this. I am looking for tips on how I can stay focused on just implementing a couple of different aspects into my life, without getting distracted by the others and going too quickly or jumping from one thing to the other, idea to idea. What do you find is helpful for staying on track with your short term goals, and not getting too all over the place with things? It's hard for me, as reading and listening to this content is a hobby I enjoy, however with all of that that I do, it's hard to stay focused as I'm always reminded of the other areas for potential growth.

To those of you that live mostly from Being perception or cognition, how does that look or feel in instances when someone close to you is struggling and comes to you for support. You see their self deceptions, ego, projections, denial, blame, shadow, etc... if you are in full acceptance of that, how does this translate to action, in terms of helping them in a healthy way. My friend has been putting alot of blame outwards and resisting looking inwards. I see others kind of strengthening her self deception and ego in a way that it further puts blame outwards. I haven't had much to say recently because I don't want to feed into those deceptions, but I do also want to be supportive. I also figure this can be a way that I can practice and further embody "being perception." I don't really feel myself "needing" her to be different or change, but I do of course desire happiness for her.

Out of all of leo's content, one of the hardest pills for me to swallow was his insight from the radical implications of oneness video where he goes into talking about how you have and will experience being every one and everything...aka I will have the experience of being a murderer, rapist, pedophile, etc, every perspective possible... definitely had resistance hearing that and kind of put it to the back of my mind for a while. Over time as I've kept growing and deepening my understanding of oneness, when I come across people that I notice are very different than me, I remember that video and I start envisioning myself being them, and really feel what it would feel like to be them and see life through their eyes. Then remember that I am actually them ? It's odd to think about. My spiritual progress has been kind of slow, but slowly as I allow myself to accept things like this in my present experience it has really increased my empathy and ability to love and accept all beings. I even do this now with animals, I can't even really help it. The other day I caught a mouse in a catch and release trap and I felt like what it should be like to be stuck in there, when I released him into a field I pictured myself being that mouse running off being relieved to be free but also scared about being alone out there and away from its family now. I feel like a dork admitting this lol Anyway, just one way ive found myself integrating and remembering some of the things Leo's taught into my every day life. Anything you guys find yourselves doing? What would you say is one of the main points of Leo's teachings that you've found yourself resisting most?

@Leo Gura definitely working on that integration still...I have acceptance and compassion for evil knowing that it stems from a lack of consciousness/their own version of love..but would not want to intentionally cause it and can't say that I am to the point where I love it. I still have alot of work to do in this area of unconditional love... after reading the comments here planning on rewatching your series on love to see if I can connect the dots more for myself..

Been almost 2 years that I've been single and completely turned off by the type of person that in my past I would have been drawn to... hoping my past pattern with that has finally transcended and gone full circle! After the last long term relationship that was back and forth for 5 years, dated two different people that displayed the same characteristics, broke up with each of them after realizing this... just completely turned off by this behavior and I believe that shows how much I have grown and healed. Though I'm in no rush and happy being single, I hope that eventually I can find a healthy person to enjoy my life and time with...!